Weston & Wayland Learning Center

Our program starts with a phonetically based approach to learning how to read. It is vitally important that the child become able to decode words rapidly with meaning. Research shows that understanding the relationship between letters and sounds is fundamental in learning to read. The English language is 85% phonetic. Sight words that must be memorized make up the balance. The “Learning to Read” program addresses both. With this approach, the young student gains the ability and confidence to read with fluency. Specific exercises to develop the child’s visual and auditory discrimination abilities are used, and fine motor skills are also emphasized from the beginning.

Math is our most popular program, and it is the base from which our other programs began. Our program is a return to the classical way of achieving mastery of calculation skills. This is accomplished by using daily, disciplined practice with pencil, paper, and the finest calculator of all, the human brain. The course consists of approximately 3000 worksheets arranged sequentially from number recognition and fine motor exercises through high school math. The course is linear, and concepts are learned in a step-by-step manner. As each concept is mastered, the student is encouraged to move on to the next level of achievement. Each child moves at his or her own pace. The speed of advancement is dependent on the student’s individual achievement, not the student's age or school grade.

We have worked with children as young as two years old on letter and number recognition. Our program for our youngest students involves one on one, to two on one teacher-student ratios. The concept of learning at the youngest levels is to focus on a small amount of daily learning. We have taught many children how to read and how to add. Our top students from this age group have been amongst the top 20 in North America for achievement….however, it is most important that this be a fun introduction to learning, and that each child is made to feel comfortable and capable at his or her level.